Mele Kalikimaka: Enjoy the Holidays in Waikiki

Here we are again. As much as we dream of a white Christmas, the snow storms and low temps mark the first tendrils of winter’s long grasp on the Beehive State. Winter is long enough. Why not trim a few days off the snowy calendar and escape to Hawaii? You might miss the lights at Temple Square, sure. But we think the endless summer of Hawaii is a trade-up. Instead of shoveling snow, you’ll explore outdoor adventures and unique cultural expressions, witness the season’s record-breaking surf and enjoy east-meets-west dining. Welcome to Waikiki on the fair Isle of Oahu. It sure beats grandma’s fruitcake.   

‘Where the Sea Meets the Sky’  

In the 1800s when the Hawaiian monarchy ruled the islands, Waikiki Beach was an exclusive playground for the royals to lord over the scenic beaches and enjoy the waves in privacy. Today, the famous beach is the jewel of Honolulu, a vibrant city with world-class shopping, high-rise hotels and culinary gems surrounding this brilliant backdrop of sun (and beginner-friendly) surf. Make Waikiki your base and know that Oahu’s wonders area short drive away. (You are on an island, after all.)

No. 1: On The Trail

Oahu boasts spectacular volcanic ranges dotted with waterfalls and all-level hiking terrain. Just 12 minutes from Waikiki, Diamond Head rewards hikers who bust out the short but steep .8-mile ascent with breathtaking 360 views of the Pacific Ocean. To reduce overcrowding, non-residents must make a reservation online and pay a $10 fee per vehicle(gostateparks.hawaii.gov/diamondhead). In Hawaii, do go chasing waterfalls. Waimano Falls in the island’s center is reached by a challenging trek through a collection of natural pools. Just 30 minutes Southeast, Manoa Falls is a moderate family-friendly walk through a bamboo forest and banyan trees. And, while the trail gets a little muddy during Hawaii’s rainy season, it’s also the best time to marvel at the high-flowing 150-foot waterfall.

No. 2: Surfing & Sea Life

If you haven’t rented a car, consider using the Turo service or navigating public transit to visit North Shore, a surfing mecca where, during winter swells, waves reach up to 50 feet in height. Spectators can watch some of the world’s best surfers come to compete during major competitions throughout December —the HIC Haleiwa Pro and The Vans Pipe Masters. Intermediate surfers can rent a wetsuit and board from Surf N Sea and head to Pipeline, Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay for more achievable waves. For snorkeling and wildlife sightings, Laniakea Beach’s calm waters and sandy beaches are frequented by giant green sea turtles (Honu) soaking up the rays. On the opposite side of the island, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is brimming with marine life. Protected by a volcanic cone and its status as a marine life conservation park, the bay’s coral bottom and clear waters are a sure bet for snorkeling among the rainbow of Hawaii’s aquatic life (hanaumabaystatepark.com).

No. 3: Cultural highlights 

Find time to learn more of Hawaii’s deep and vibrant cultural history. (This doesn’t mean boring, there’s no shortage of fun ways to do so.) The Royal Hawaiian Center in the heart of Waikiki presents traditional Hawaiian dance performances every week and hosts a festive Rock-A-Hula show during the holidays (royalhawaiiancenter.com). Learn more about the early history of Hawaii and the neighboring Polynesian Islands at the Polynesian Cultural Center, which hosts daily luaus, theatrical performances and cultural activities. Take a guided tour through its “Islands of Polynesia,” a living museum dedicated to preserving the traditions of Tonga, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Aotearoa and Hawaii. (polynesia.com). Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs, offers succinct tours perfect for filling a rainy afternoon (iolanipalace.org), and Bishop Museum is filled with millions of artifacts, photos and heirlooms from throughout Hawaiian history (bishopmuseum.org).

No. 4: Eat your way around Waikiki

Waikiki has much to offer your tastebuds, from a quick and delicious ABC Store musubi (a beach day must-have) to casual noodle shops and elevated island cuisine. Start the day with some pink pancakes at Surf Lanai, an airy beachside cafe inside the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (surflanaiwaikiki.com). For a hearty lunch, visit Marugame Udon in Waikiki which has developed a rabid fan base for its well-priced noodles (marugameudon.com). Family-owned and operated since 1961, Rainbow Drive-In serves classic Hawaiian comfort food in a retro setting. Pro Tip: Order the Mix Plate: BBQ Beef, Boneless Chicken and Mahi Mahi with extra gravy, and thank me later (rainbowdrivein.com). To satisfy a seafood craving, Herringbone inside International Marketplace offers “$3 buck shuck” happy hour oysters alongside a fresh ocean-to-table menu (aoki.group.com/herringbonewaikiki.com). Finally, for a lux night out visit MW Restaurant and opt for the five-course tasting menu. The intimate eatery is curiously located on the second floor of a luxury car dealership, but don’t let its offbeat setting detract from the high-concept menu showcasing regional flavors (mwrestaurant.com.)

Holiday Happenings 

Get in the festive spirit with “Seven Days of Mele,” a week-long celebration of hula and song on Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza (waikikibeachwalk.com). The Holiday Lights tour is a two-hour hop-on-hop-off trolley bus tour through Honolulu’s most lit-up neighborhoods, Christmas caroling isn’t mandatory but highly encouraged (holidaylightshi.com). On the Friday following Thanksgiving Day, the Waikiki Holiday Parade takes over Kalakaua Avenue with marching bands, dancers and floats. And for those holiday imbibers, Christmas tiki bars pop up throughout Waikiki like The Christmas Bar at Twin Fin Hotel, Sippin’ Santa at Prince Waikiki and Ho-Ho Holiday Tiki Bar at International Marketplace. 

Getting here (with Aloha)   

Last May, Hawaiian Airlines launched its first-ever nonstop route between Salt Lake City and Honolulu. The new route will get you to Hawaii’s capital city in about seven hours. And while Delta also offers a non-stop, we say fly Hawaiian. The airline is well-known for its warm island hospitality and the new flight features a locally-inspired menu curated by Honolulu chef Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr Ueoka. For added travel ease, the airline offers its premium airport service, which provides passengers with a dedicated host for arrival to and departure from Honolulu. And on the way out, SLC passengers will get exclusive access to the HNL’s new speakeasy-style lounge, called Apt. 1929. Inside the swanky parlor, guests enjoy luxury amenities, personalized meals and craft cocktails from the James Beard-winning Bar Leather Apron. You’ll want to get to the airport early for this (hawaiianairlines.com).